Zaanse Schans

Your first stop is the world-famous Zaanse Schans, a living museum that brings 18th- and 19th-century Holland to life. Stroll past charming green wooden houses, cross quaint bridges, and take in the peaceful canalside scenery. You’ll see operating windmills, some of which still produce oil, paint, or spices. Enjoy a live clog-making demonstration where a craftsman shows how traditional Dutch wooden shoes are made. You’ll also have free time to explore local workshops and boutiques selling Dutch specialties like stroopwafels, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. Don’t forget your camera — this is one of the most photogenic places in the Netherlands, with panoramic views of windmills set against the water and fields.

Alida Hoeve Cheese Farm & Wooden shoe factory

Get a taste of the real Dutch countryside with a stop at a family-owned cheese farm, where age-old traditions meet local hospitality. Here, you’ll be welcomed by passionate cheesemakers who will guide you through the fascinating process of creating Gouda cheese, one of the Netherlands’ most iconic exports. Learn how fresh milk is transformed into flavorful cheese through curdling, pressing, and aging — and discover how ingredients like herbs, spices, and aging time create different textures and flavors. This is not just a tasting, it’s an education in Dutch culture and culinary heritage. After the demonstration, enjoy a generous cheese tasting session, sampling a range of cheeses — from young and creamy to aged and robust. There will also be time to browse local products in the farm shop, including cheeses to take home and other regional specialties. This stop offers an authentic, flavorful, and memorable experience — perfect for food lovers and curious travelers alike.